Bill introduced to amend Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act 1996 to strengthen maritime safety, cybersecurity, and regulation of new technologies

28 October 2026

On 6 October 2026, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill (“Bill”) was introduced for first reading in Parliament. The Bill seeks to update the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act 1996 (“MPA Act”) to reflect significant changes in maritime operations since its enactment.

The amendments in the Bill will strengthen safeguards against emerging threats and empower the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (“MPA”) to intervene more effectively to keep port operations safe, efficient, and reliable. The key proposals are outlined below.

Strengthen MPA’s regulatory framework and powers over licensees

To strengthen MPA’s oversight over licensees, the Bill will establish a more comprehensive framework for licensing and regulating maritime services that support port operations. The framework will, among other things:

  • allow for the number of providers of specified regulated maritime services to be capped;
  • outline the factors MPA will consider when assessing licence applications;
  • broaden MPA’s powers to issue directions to the licensee of a regulated maritime service, not only on reliability and public safety grounds, but also in respect of efficiency, security, environmental sustainability, and public interest;
  • empower MPA to regulate the key appointment holders of licensed regulated maritime services;
  • set out an appeal mechanism for certain decisions and directions issued by MPA.

The five maritime services which the Bill initially proposes to regulate under this framework are: (i) cargo terminal services and facilities; (ii) passenger terminal services and facilities; (iii) pilotage services; (iv) towage services; and (v) water supply to vessels.

The amendments will also allow MPA to better safeguard the provision and upkeep of essential port infrastructure and help maintain port operating standards.

Enhance MPA’s powers for prompt intervention to safeguard safety and operational continuity

Stranded or deserted vessels and wrecks in Singapore’s waters can threaten navigational safety, harm the marine environment, and disrupt port operations. The Bill will broaden the circumstances in which MPA may require or undertake their removal, allowing it to address these risks promptly.

Introduce cybersecurity requirements for maritime sector

Greater digitalisation and connectivity expose the systems supporting maritime operations to cybersecurity risks, making their protection a key priority. To safeguard against these threats, the Bill will introduce a cybersecurity framework under the MPA Act that will empower MPA to:

  • designate computer or computer systems that meet specified criteria as Important Information Infrastructure;
  • establish cybersecurity requirements; and
  • issue directions to protect these systems and infrastructure.

These powers complement the provisions of the Cybersecurity Act 2018.

Provide for safe use of new and emerging maritime technologies

The Bill also addresses the safe use of new technologies, including autonomous surface vessels, aerial drones, and AI, which are increasingly used in maritime operations to improve safety and productivity. It will update relevant definitions and provisions in the MPA Act to give MPA the legal basis to regulate their safe use as technologies and operating models continue to advance.

Strengthen MPA’s investigative and enforcement powers

To support effective regulatory oversight of maritime activities, the Bill will strengthen MPA’s powers to gather and verify information, carry out inspections, and investigate suspected breaches. It will also better equip MPA to deal with false information or documents, as well as failures to provide required information or documents.

The Bill is scheduled for second reading in Parliament in November 2026.

Reference materials

The following materials are available on Singapore Statutes Online sso.agc.gov.sg and the MPA website www.mpa.gov.sg: